JFK ADDRESSES THE NATION: WE STAND EYEBALL TO EYEBALL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On Monday, October 22, 1962, President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation on radio and television on the continuing Cuban Missile Crisis.
The President reported that the Soviet Union has placed nuclear missiles in Cuba just 90 miles from the continental United States. Mr. Kennedy described this as an "offensive buildup."
A "strict quarantine on all offensive military equipment shipped to Cuba is being initiated."
The President issued a dire warning to the Soviets...
"It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union."
The superpowers stood eyeball to eyeball.
JFK+50 NOTE
President Kennedy's address was carried by all radio & television networks beginning at 7 p.m. (EDT). One hour before the speech, the Secretary of State notified the Soviet ambassador to the U.S. of its contents.
October 22, 1962, the 7th day of the Cuban Missile Crisis, also saw JFK formally establish the Executive Committee of the National Security Council with instructions for it to meet daily during the crisis.
SOURCE
"Day 7, Oct 22," 13 Days In October, JFK Library, www.jfklibrary.org/
